Kleenex delivers a gesture of care

By Jason Owen

DALLAS — In the height of the one of the worst flu seasons in recent years, Kleenex is hand-delivering care packs to unsuspecting fans all across North America. Three fans will receive what could be the surprise of a lifetime.

Kleenex brand has ignited what they call a “Gesture of Care” movement, and are surprising a total of 84 people across the country with in-person deliveries of its care packs, complete with Kleenex facial tissue, lip balm, hand sanitizer and a plush blanket — essential items to aid recovery this cold-and-flu season. Eighty-one of these surprise deliveries will be made by local couriers, but three will be made in-person by celebrities, the first coming from host of TV’s “Dancing with the Stars,” Brooke Burke-Charvet.

That’s what happened to Los Angeles resident Ingemar Hulthage, who on Jan. 23, while recovering from a bout of the flu, answered his door to find Ms. Burke-Charvet standing there to present him with a Kleenex care pack. "I was completely overwhelmed and pleasantly surprised to see Brooke at my door,” Hulthage said. “The surprise was such a nice gesture, and the Kleenex Care Pack definitely will help me get through this tough cold-and-flu season.”

Hulthage was nominated by his fiancé, who visited Kleenex’s Facebook page. Hulthage was chosen at random from a list of the nominations. The contest runs through April 7, and two more lucky fans in Atlanta and Chicago will have the opportunity to receive the added joy of the celebrity care pack delivery from surprise celebrities.

Every year, more than 62 million cases of the common cold are reported in the United States, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Kleenex hopes to ease the displeasure for a few lucky individuals. "It warms my heart to have the opportunity to bring someone a little extra comfort during one of the worst flu seasons I can remember," Burke-Charvet said. "I encourage everyone to get involved by visiting the Kleenex Facebook page and nominating your own friend. Who knows — another celebrity could be knocking on your door next!"

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article said Ms. Brooke Burke-Charvet would make all three celebrity care pack deliveries, but she only delivered the L.A. care pack. Two other celebrities will deliver the care packs in Atlanta and Chicago. We apologize for the error.

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